System and method for tracing bank notes

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for tracing bank notes or, specifically, counterfeit money. In one example of the tracing system, an automatic teller machine (ATM) electronically connected to one or more devices is provided. The one or more devices comprise a deposit device configured to receive an initial bank note; an image extraction device configured to extract one or more initial images from the initial bank note; a transaction log device configured to attach a transaction log to the one or more initial images, wherein the deposit device is further configured to receive a subsequent bank note, wherein the image extraction device is further configured to extract one or more subsequent images from the subsequent bank note; and a comparison device configured to compare the one or initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order to obtain a comparison result.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to tracing counterfeitmoney and, more particularly, to tracing counterfeit money by way ofadvanced recognition devices.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Background

[0005] Law enforcement agencies often require banks to report atransaction log of a counterfeit bank note that is deposited into anautomatic teller machine (ATM) of the bank. A bank note is any form ofcurrency recognized by banks. To comport with law enforcementrequirements, banks typically have procedures for tracing bank notesdeposited into their ATM machines.

[0006]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional tracing system 100 forinforming law enforcement agencies of counterfeit bank notes. An initialbank note 104 is deposited into an ATM 102 of a bank branch office 103.At that point in time, the bank does not know if the initial bank note104 is counterfeit or not.

[0007] The ATM 102 includes a device for recording a transaction log ofall deposited bank notes, including the initial bank note 104 of thisexample. An initial bank note 104 is guided to a bill discriminationunit in the ATM 102 to discriminate the bills denomination. The initialbank note 104 is then led to a written number read unit to read theserial number of the initial bank note 104. The initial bank note 104 isstored in a cartridge of the ATM 102 with other deposited bank notes.The serial number of the initial bank note 104 is stored in a cartridgememory of the ATM 102.

[0008] The cartridge is taken out of the ATM 102 and transferred to thebank central office 107. At the bank central office 107, high-levelvalidation 105 is performed on the initial bank note 104. If the initialbank note 104 is found to be a counterfeit bill, the initial bank noteundergoes subsequent procedures as a subsequent bank note 118. Note thatthe subsequent bank note 118 is physically the same bank note as theinitial bank note 104, but is referred to here as the subsequent banknote 118 to indicate subsequent procedures are performed.

[0009] The subsequent bank note 118 is taken back to the bank branchoffice 103. The serial number of the subsequent bank note 103 is readout of the cartridge memory to trace the past passing route of the banknote. A transaction log 114 is obtained from the bank branch office 103.A typical transaction log 114 includes the date the bank note wasinitially deposited, a customer identification, and the total amount ofthe deposit. The transaction log 114 is then reported to the police 110and the bank central office 107.

[0010] Unfortunately, conventional tracing systems 100 lackcomprehensive, fail-safe procedures for identifying and tracingcounterfeit bank notes. For example, one recording device in aconventional tracing system 100 uses merely the serial number of thebank note to keep track of the bank note deposited into the ATM 102.See, for example, Jap. Pat. publication No. 11-328493, “Device AndSystem For Paper Sheet Data Management.” Another recording device usesthe serial number in combination with the customer fingerprint image tokeep track of the bank note and the corresponding customer. See, forexample, Jap. Pat. publication No. 2000-322632, “Handling Device ForCoins Or The Like.”

[0011] Problems are associated with using merely the serial number toidentify a bank note. One problem with using the serial number is that acounterfeit note will oftentimes have the same serial number as agenuine bank note. Consequently, the conventional tracing system 100cannot distinguish between a genuine bank note and a counterfeit banknote having the same serial number. Another problem with using theserial number to identify a bank note is that a counterfeit note mayhave the same serial number as another counterfeit bank note.Consequently, the conventional tracing system 100 cannot distinguishbetween multiple counterfeit bank notes having the same serial number.Thus, conventional tracing systems 100 lack the minimal precision thatis required to accurately trace counterfeit bank notes and to catchsavvy criminals.

[0012] Other problems are associated with the device that captures animage of the serial number. Conventional imaging devices are notsufficiently accurate to capture reliably an image of a bank note'sserial number. Further, conventional imaging devices are notsufficiently accurate to capture reliably an image of a bank note'sother parts as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It has been recognized that what is needed is a tracing systemthat can trace bank notes at a higher level of accuracy. Broadlyspeaking, the present invention fills these needs by providing a systemand method of tracing bank notes by way of advanced recognition devices.It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implementedin numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, adevice or a method. Several inventive embodiments of the presentinvention are described below.

[0014] In one embodiment, an automatic teller machine (ATM)electronically connected to one or more devices is provided. The one ormore devices comprise a deposit device configured to receive an initialbank note; an image extraction device configured to extract one or moreinitial images from the initial bank note; a transaction log deviceconfigured to attach a transaction log to the one or more initialimages, wherein the deposit device is further configured to receive asubsequent bank note, wherein the image extraction device is furtherconfigured to extract one or more subsequent images from the subsequentbank note; and a comparison device configured to compare the one orinitial images to the one or more subsequent images in order to obtain acomparison result.

[0015] In another embodiment, an interface to an automatic tellermachine (ATM) of a bank is provided. The interface has one or morescreens configured to be displayed on a display of the automatic tellermachine. The one or more screens comprise a tracing mode, wherein use ofthe tracing mode requires special authorization by the bank; a kindoption of the tracing mode, wherein the kind option is configured to beselected and to initiate instructions to display a request to input asubsequent bank note of a particular kind; a start search option of thetracing mode, wherein the start search option is configured to beselected and to initiate instructions to begin a comparison betweensubsequent images of the subsequent bank note and initial images of aninitial bank note; and a comparison results screen of the tracing mode,wherein the comparison results screen is configured to displaycomparison results upon completion of the comparison.

[0016] In still another embodiment, a method of tracing bank notes isprovided. The method comprises receiving a deposit of an initial banknote; extracting one or more initial images from the initial bank note;attaching an initial transaction log to the one or more initial images;receiving a deposit of a subsequent bank note; extracting one or moresubsequent images from the subsequent bank note; and comparing the oneor more initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order toobtain a comparison result.

[0017] Advantageously, the tracing system of the present identifies banknotes by using more than a mere serial number. Accordingly, the tracingsystem can distinguish between two different bank notes having the sameserial number. The tracing system of the present invention traces banknotes at a high level of accuracy, and can therefore be relied uponduring the pursuit of savvy criminals.

[0018] The invention encompasses other embodiments of a system, amethod, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium, which areconfigured as set forth above and with other features and alternatives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be readily understood by the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Tofacilitate this description, like reference numerals designate likestructural elements.

[0020]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional tracing system forinforming law enforcement agencies of counterfeit bank notes;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a tracing system for tracing banknotes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 3 is flowchart of a tracing method for tracing bank notes, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of operations of the imageextraction device, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 5 shows a data structure of transaction information and imagedata, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 6 shows an example interface for the ATM, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a comparison operation performedby the comparison device, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an overall comparison process, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of devices of the tracing system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] An invention for a system and method of tracing bank notes isdisclosed. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. It will be understood,however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may bepracticed without some or all of these specific details.

[0030] General Overview

[0031]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a tracing system 200 for tracingbank notes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.An initial bank note 204 is deposited into a deposit device 206configured to receive the initial bank note 204. The deposit device 206is located at the front of the automatic teller machine (ATM) 202 of thebank branch office (not shown), and is easily accessible by a customeror other user. The ATM 202 is also configured to receive multipledifferent bank notes. However, a single initial bank note 204 isdiscussed here for explanatory purposes.

[0032] The initial bank note is transferred to an image extractiondevice 208. In this embodiment, the image extraction device 208 is shownto be a part of the ATM 202. However, the present invention is not solimited. Alternatively, the image extraction device 208 may be locatedexternally to the ATM 202.

[0033] The image extraction device 208 is configured to extract one ormore initial images 216 from the initial bank note 204. The imageextraction device 208 includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter toconvert an analog image of the bank note into a corresponding digitalimage that can be processed as desired.

[0034] An important purpose of the image extraction device 108 is toextract a sufficient number of initial images 216 to capture uniquecharacteristics of a bank note in order to uniquely identify the banknote. An extracted initial image 216 is preferably a combination of someof these unique characteristics of the bank note. An extracted initialimage 216 captures at least a portion of the front or back side of theinitial bank note 204. The image extraction device 208 preferably usesphotographic techniques to sense characteristics such as color,brightness, hue, intensity, unique markings, blood stains, ink stains,pencil marks, discoloration, abnormal coloring, damage areas, creases,holes, tears, etc. Other image capturing techniques may also be used tosense such characteristics. For example, other image capturingtechniques may involve use of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, X-rays,photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), chemicals, etc. Thus, an extracted image may be one of aphotographic image, an infrared image, an ultraviolet ray image, anx-ray image, a photoluminescent image, a chemiluminescent image, afluorescent image, a magnetic resonance image, a chemical image, orother type of image.

[0035] The initial images 216 may include different images of theinitial bank note 204, where each different image captures uniquecharacteristics of the initial bank note 204 while positioned in adifferent position. These different images include a front side imageand a backside image. The position of the front side image and theposition of the backside image depend on the direction the initial banknote is deposited.

[0036] Alternatively, the initial images 216 may include, for example,an image of four different positions of the initial bank note 204.Further, the initial images may be divided into groups of initial imagesin which each group of initial images includes image of the initial banknote in one particular position. A first position may be a front sideforward position. A second position may be a front side backwardposition. A third position may be a back side forward position. A fourthposition may be a back side backward position. An important of purposeof extracting images from multiple different positions is to increasethe precision of the tracing system 200, and to thereby increase overallaccuracy for tracing bank notes.

[0037] The initial images are transferred to a transaction log device210 configured to attach a transaction log 214 to the initial images216. The transaction log includes the date and time of the initialdeposit, the customer identification, the amount of the deposit, theimage of the customer, and any other useful information. The transactionlog 214 and the corresponding initial images 216 are then stored in astorage device 212 of the of the ATM 202. This embodiment shows thestorage device 212 as being a part of the ATM 202. However, the presentinvention is not so limited.

[0038] Alternatively, the storage device 212 may be located externallyto the ATM 202, wherein a network link in the ATM 202 is electronicallyconnected to the external storage device (not shown). Using a networklink to the external storage device, a copy of the initial images 216 issent to the external storage device. The external storage device isconfigured to store any image, including initial images and subsequentimages.

[0039] The Initial ATM 202 used for the initial deposit 204 ispreferably the same ATM 202, with the same image extraction device 208,used for subsequent procedures. One advantage of using the same ATM 202is that the same ATM 202 is likely going to interact with the subsequentbank note 218 in substantially the same way the ATM 202 interacted withthe initial bank note 204. Such a duplication in the behavior of the ATM202 will likely provide better accuracy during subsequent procedures,specifically, more accurate calculating of comparison results 224. Thesesubsequent procedures are discussed below. Alternatively, the initialATM 202 used for the initial deposit 204 by the customer of the initialbank note 204 is not the same ATM used for subsequent procedures. Usinga different ATM may, for example, be more convenient for the bankperforming the subsequent procedures.

[0040] The initial bank note 204 is transported to the bank centraloffice (not shown) for further processing. At the bank central office,high-level validation is performed on the initial bank note 204. If theinitial bank note 204 is found to be a counterfeit bill, the initialbank note 204 undergoes subsequent procedures as a subsequent bank note218. Note that the subsequent bank note 218 is physically the same banknote as the initial bank note 204, but is referred to here as thesubsequent bank note 218 to indicate subsequent procedures areperformed.

[0041] The subsequent bank note 218 is transported back to the ATM 202of the bank branch office (not shown). This embodiment shows thesubsequent note being deposited into the same ATM 202. However, thepresent invention is not so limited. For example, these subsequentprocedures may be performed at any chosen ATM of the particular bank.The chosen ATM may be connected to an image extraction device and to anetwork link (not shown) to the storage device 212.

[0042] Authorized personnel 620 deposits the subsequent note 218 intothe ATM 202 using the deposit device 206. The subsequent bank note 218is then transferred to the image extraction device 208. The imageextraction device 208 is further configured to extract one or moresubsequent images 220 from the subsequent bank note 218. The subsequentimages 220 are extracted in an effort to associate the subsequent images220 to corresponding initial images 216, and to thereby trace theinitial bank note 204. Accordingly, another important purpose of theimages extraction device 108 is to extract a sufficient number ofsubsequent images 220 to be able to associate the subsequent images 220to initial images 216. An extracted subsequent image captures at least aportion of the front or back side of the subsequent bank note 218.

[0043] The subsequent images 220 may include different images of thesubsequent bank note 218, where each different image captures uniquecharacteristics of the subsequent bank note 218 while positioned in adifferent position. For example, the subsequent images 220 may includean image of four different positions of the initial bank note 204. Afirst position may be a front side forward position. A second positionmay be a front side backward position. A third position may be a backside forward position. A fourth position may be a back side backwardposition. The image extraction device is further configured to extractmultiple different images of each position of the subsequent bank note218, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0044] The ATM 202 includes, or is connected to, a comparison device 222configured to compare the initial images 216 to the subsequent images220. A comparison result 224 is obtained from the comparison operations.If the comparison result 224 indicates a match, the transaction logattached to the corresponding initial bank note 204 is retrieved.

[0045] More Details Of The Tracing System

[0046]FIG. 3 is flowchart of a tracing method 300 for tracing banknotes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thisflowchart may correspond to specific devices discussed above withreference to FIG. 2. However, the tracing method 300 is not limited tothese specific devices, and other suitable devices may be interchanged.

[0047] An initial bank note 204 is received in step 301. Step 302involves extracting initial images 216 from the initial bank note 204.In step 304, a preliminary validation is performed on the initial banknote 204 to determine if the initial bank note is genuine. Thispreliminary validation involves determining the bank note type, forexample, $1, $5, $20, or $100. The preliminary validation also involvesperforming an initial counterfeit screening of the initial bank note204. This initial screening is not as robust as a more comprehensivescreening that is subsequently performed at the central bank office.Further, the preliminary validation involves determining the directionor position in which the bank note is received into the ATM 202.

[0048] A transaction log 214 is then attached to the extracted initialimages 216 in step 306. In step 308, the transaction log 214 and theinitial images 216 are stored in the storage device 212.

[0049] At a later point in time, it may desirable to find thetransaction log of the initial bank note 204 because the initial banknote 204 is found to be counterfeit. Accordingly, a subsequent bank note218 is received by the ATM in step 310. In step 312, subsequent images220 are extracted from the subsequent bank note 218. Initial images arethen selected from the storage device 212, as well as from the group ofsubsequent images, in step 314. These selected images are compared usinga score calculation operation in 316. For example, initial imagescorresponding to a particular initial bank note receive a particularscore. Other initial images corresponding to another particular initialbank note receive another particular score, and so on. All of the scoresare then sorted in order of degree of similarity in step 318, whereinthe highest score indicates the highest degree of similarity. Thetransaction log 214 associated with the highest score is then retrievedin step 320.

[0050]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of operations of the imageextraction device 208, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. This example shows image extraction operations on asubsequent bank note 218 for explanatory purposes. These operationsgenerally may be applied extracting images from an initial bank note 204as well. FIG. 4 shows image extraction of various specific positions ofthe subsequent bank 218. However, the present invention is not solimited to these specific positions, and other suitable positions may beused.

[0051] Improved matching results are achieved when comparisons of alldirections of the bank notes, including the initial bank note 204 andthe subsequent bank note 218, are performed. These directions includeall positions in which an initial bank note can be received into the ATM202. Further, improved comparison speed can be achieved when a group ofsubsequent images is compared with an initial image in a same position.In other words, if an initial image is of a particular position, timecan be saved by not comparing subsequent images of another particularposition.

[0052] In step 401, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into theATM 202 in a front side forward position. The front side forwardposition is preferably deposited several different times by authorizedpersonnel 620 into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a differentsubsequent image is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. Thesedifferent subsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

[0053] In step 402, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into theATM 202 in a front side backward position. The front side backwardposition is preferably deposited several different times by authorizedpersonnel 620 into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a differentsubsequent image is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. Thesedifferent subsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

[0054] In step 403, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into theATM 202 in a back side forward position. The back side forward positionis preferably deposited several different times by authorized personnel620 into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a different subsequentimage is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. These differentsubsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

[0055] Alternatively, the ATM 202 may be configured such that thesubsequent image 218 has to inputted only once. Devices of the ATM 202may be configured to change positioning of the subsequent image 218automatically.

[0056] In step 404, the subsequent bank note 218 is deposited into theATM 202 in a back side backward position. The back side backwardposition is preferably deposited several different times by authorizedpersonnel 620 into the ATM 202. For each different deposit, a differentsubsequent image is subtracted from the subsequent bank note 218. Thesedifferent subsequent images are stored in the storage device 212.

[0057]FIG. 5 shows a data structure 500 of transaction information andimage data, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The data structure 500 may be a linked list of data as shown in FIG. 5.The data structure 500 includes ATM information 501 and bank noteinformation 505. Alternatively, the data structure 500 may be acollection of separate structures, wherein each bank note information505 is separate and correlates to the ATM information 501. The ATMinformation 501 includes ATM specific information, such as ATMidentification 502 and number of bank notes 504 that have been depositedand recorded in the ATM 202. The bank note information 505 includes banknote specific information, such as bank note kind 506, bank notedirection 508, deposit date 510, user identification 512, mode flag 514to indicate a normal or counterfeit note, and image data 516 which mayinclude initial images 216 or subsequent images 220.

[0058]FIG. 6 shows an example interface 600 for the ATM 202, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The interface600 includes one or more screens configured to be displayed on a displayof the ATM 202. The one or more screens include a normal transactionmode 601 and a tracing mode 603. In a normal transaction mode 601, theATM 202 is configured to display normal mode screens 602 and to performnormal transactions with a bank customer. A normal screen 602 provides apart of the interface 600 that allows the bank customer to make normaltransactions, such as deposits of initial bank notes 204, withdrawals,foreign currency deposits, credit inquiries, etc.

[0059] On the other hand, access to the tracing mode 603 requiresspecial authorization by the bank that has rights to the ATM 202. TheATM 202 may be configured, for example, to require inputting of anauthorization code in order to access tracing mode 503. Tracing mode 603may be accessed when authorized personnel 620 needs to deposit asubsequent bank note 218 into the ATM 202. In other words, when theinitial bank note 204 is determined by the bank central office 410 to becounterfeit, that bank note is transported back to the ATM 202 as asubsequent bank note 218 in order to retrieve the transaction log 214.

[0060] In tracing mode 603, the ATM 202 is configured to display tracingmode screens 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612, and to perform tracingoperations. Tracing mode screens provide parts of the interface 600 thatallow the authorized personnel 620 to perform procedures for retrievingthe transaction log 214. FIG. 6 shows five tracing mode screens 604,606, 608, 610, and 612 for explanatory purposes. However, the presentinvention is not so limited. Additional or fewer tracing mode screensmay be provided, depending on the specific design of the particularinterface 600.

[0061] A kind option screen 604 includes kind options 622 for selectingthe particular kind of denomination of the subsequent bank note 218.FIG. 6 shows kind options 622 for $10, $20, $50, and $100. The kindoption 622 is configured to be selected and to initiate instructions todisplay a request deposit screen 606. A kind option 622 iselectronically connected to a touch-sensitive portion of the display904. Alternatively, a kind option 622 could be electronically connectedto a mechanical button (not shown) of the ATM 202.

[0062] The request deposit screen 606 displays a request to input asubsequent bank note 218 (counterfeit bank note). FIG. 6 shows therequest deposit screen 606 asking for a counterfeit bank note with frontside forward five times. The authorized personnel may then input thesubsequent bank note 218 (counterfeit bank note). The dotted line inFIG. 6 indicates that several more request deposit screens may beincluded, each asking for the same counterfeit bank note in a certaindirection. The discussion with reference to FIG. 4 explains a procedurefor extracting a subsequent image 220 from the subsequent bank note 218.Request deposit screen 608 displays an indication that the depositingprocedure is finished.

[0063] The interface 600 is configured to then display a start searchscreen 610. The start search screen 610 includes a start search option624 configured to be selected and to initiate instructions to begin acomparison between subsequent images 220 and initial images 216. In FIG.6, the start search option 624 is a “Yes” button, which iselectronically connected to a touch-sensitive portion of the display904. Alternatively, the start search option 624 may be electronicallyconnected to a mechanical button (not shown) of the ATM 202.

[0064] After the comparison operations are complete, the interface 600is configured to display a comparison results screen 612. The comparisonresults screen 612 is configured to display comparison results of thecomparison between subsequent images 220 and initial images 216. FIG. 6shows the comparison results screen 612 as displaying the transactionlog 214.

[0065]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a comparison operation 700performed by the comparison device 222, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a comparison operation 700between one subsequent image 220 and one initial image 216. The imagesare digital data converted from analog images of bank notes. In thisexample, the images include observation points. The observation pointsof the subsequent image 220 have observation point values 706. Likewise,the observation points of the initial image 216 have observation pointvalues 704. The observation point values are combined to describe imagecharacteristics, such as color, brightness, hue, intensity, uniquemarkings, blood stains, ink stains, pencil marks, discoloration,abnormal coloring, damage areas, creases, holes, tears, etc. Imagecapturing techniques used to obtain the observation point values mayinvolve use of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, X-rays,photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), chemicals, etc.

[0066] The observation point values 706 of the subsequent image 220 arecompared with corresponding observation point values 704 of the initialimage 216. One calculation technique for comparing the images involvesuse of a Euclid distance formula. For example, the Euclid distancebetween the images of FIG. 7 would be Equation 1 below. $\begin{matrix}{\quad {{{{Euclid}\quad {Distance}} = \sqrt{\left( {120 - 110} \right)^{2} + \left( {33 - 40} \right)^{2} + \left( {56 - 66} \right)^{2} + {\left( {22 - 35} \right)^{2}\quad \cdots}}}{{Euclid}\quad {Distance}\quad {Between}\quad {Images}\quad {Of}\quad {{FIG}.\quad 7.}}}} & {{Equation}\quad 1}\end{matrix}$

[0067] A relatively high Euclid distance would indicate a low likelihoodthat the subsequent bank note 218 is the same as the initial bank note204. A relatively low Euclid distance would indicate a high likelihoodthat the subsequent bank note 218 is the same as the initial bank note204. Using such a technique, a range of similarity could bepredetermined such that a certain Euclid distance falling within therange of similarity would be accepted as a match. Note that a Eucliddistance formula is only one technique for comparing image data, andother suitable techniques may be used.

[0068]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an overall comparison process 800 using aEuclid distance calculation, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The comparison process is carried out by at least thetracing system 200, including the comparison device 222 and other systemdevices 900.

[0069] In step 801 the subsequent images 220 are received. The tracingsystem 200 then determines the direction (or position) of the subsequentbank note 218. Next, an initial image 216 from an initial bank note 204must be selected. Accordingly, in step 804, the same direction of theinitial image is selected to match the direction of the depositedsubsequent bank note 218. Next, the images are normalized in step 806 inorder to fix a relative minimum and a relative maximum between theimages. In step 808, the positions are then corrected. Positioncorrection involves making sure adjusting the digital format of theimages to ensure the position of the subsequent image 220 issubstantially the same as the position of the initial image 216.

[0070] A Euclid distance between the images is then calculate in step810. An example of a Euclid distance calculation is discussed above withreference to FIG. 7. Decision operation 812 involves determining whetherthe compared initial image is the last initial image 216 of the samedirection. If not, the comparison process 800 returns to step 806, whereanother initial image of the same is normalized with the subsequentimage 220. However, if the compared initial image is the last initialimage 216, the decision operation 814 determines whether the comparedsubsequent image is the last subsequent image 220 to be compared. Ifnot, the comparison process returns to step 802. If so, in step 816, allof the Euclid distances from all comparisons are sorted in order oflikelihood of a match. The comparison result is then provided in step818. Note that the comparison result does not necessarily have toindicate a match. The comparison result may indicate an initial banknote 204 having the highest likelihood of a match.

[0071] System and Method Implementation

[0072] Portions of the present invention may be conveniently implementedusing a conventional general purpose or a specialized digital computeror microprocessor programmed according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the computer art.

[0073]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of devices 900 of the tracing system200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thedevices 900 are electronically connected by a bus 912. The tracingsystem 200 includes a deposit device 206, an image extraction device208, a transaction log device 210, a storage device 212, a comparisondevice 222. The tracing system 200 also includes an input device 902, adisplay device 904, a memory 908, a CPU 908, and a USB port 910. Thesedevices 900 are made up of hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software.

[0074] Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilledprogrammers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will beapparent to those skilled in the software art. The invention may also beimplemented by the preparation of application specific integratedcircuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventionalcomponent circuits, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart.

[0075] The present invention includes a computer program product whichis a storage medium (media) having instructions stored thereon/in whichcan be used to control, or cause, a computer to perform any of theprocesses of the present invention. The storage medium can include, butis not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, mini disks(MD's), optical disks, DVD, CD-ROMS, micro-drive, and magneto-opticaldisks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, flash memory devices(including flash cards), magnetic or optical cards, nanosystems(including molecular memory ICs), RAID devices, remote datastorage/archive/warehousing, or any type of media or device suitable forstoring instructions and/or data.

[0076] Stored on any one of the computer readable medium (media), thepresent invention includes software for controlling both the hardware ofthe general purpose/specialized computer or microprocessor, and forenabling the computer or microprocessor to interact with a human user orother mechanism utilizing the results of the present invention. Suchsoftware may include, but is not limited to, device drivers, operatingsystems, and user applications. Ultimately, such computer readable mediafurther includes software for performing the present invention, asdescribed above.

[0077] Included in the programming (software) of the general/specializedcomputer or microprocessor are software modules for implementing theteachings of the present invention, including, but not limited to,extracting one or more initial images from the initial bank noteattaching an initial transaction log to the one or more initial images,receiving a deposit of a subsequent bank note, extracting one or moresubsequent images from the subsequent bank note, and comparing the oneor more initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order toobtain a comparison result, according to processes of the presentinvention.

[0078] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been describedwith reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic teller machine (ATM) electronicallyconnected to one or more devices, the one or more devices comprising: adeposit device configured to receive an initial bank note; an imageextraction device configured to extract one or more initial images fromthe initial bank note; a transaction log device configured to attach atransaction log to the one or more initial images, wherein the depositdevice is further configured to receive a subsequent bank note, whereinthe image extraction device is further configured to extract one or moresubsequent images from the subsequent bank note; and a comparison deviceconfigured to compare the one or initial images to the one or moresubsequent images in order to obtain a comparison result.
 2. Theautomatic teller machine of claim 1, the one or more devices furthercomprising at least one of: a storage device configured to store the oneor more initial images and the transaction log; and a network link to anexternal storage device configured to store the one or more initialimages and the transaction log.
 3. The automatic teller machine of claim1, wherein the comparison device is further configured to determine ifthe one or more initial images are within a range of similarity to theone or more subsequent images.
 4. The automatic teller machine of claim1, wherein the image extraction device is further configured to: extracta front side initial image in a first initial position; extract a frontside initial image in a second initial position; extract a back sideinitial image in a first initial position; and extract a back sideinitial image in a second initial position.
 5. The automatic tellermachine of claim 4, wherein the image extraction device is furtherconfigured to: extract a front side subsequent image in a firstsubsequent position; extract a front side subsequent image in a secondsubsequent position; extract a back side subsequent image in a firstsubsequent position; and extract a back side subsequent image in asecond subsequent position.
 6. The automatic teller machine of claim 5,wherein the comparison device is further configured to compare-eachsubsequent image in each subsequent position a plurality of times to acorresponding initial image.
 7. The automatic teller machine of claim 3,the one or more devices further comprising a retrieval device configuredto retrieve the transaction log if the comparison device determines thatthe one or more initial images are within the range of similarity. 8.The automatic teller machine of claim 3, wherein the comparison deviceis further configured to analyze image characteristics using a Eucliddistance formula, and further configured to determine whether the one ormore initial images and the one or more subsequent images have a Eucliddistance near zero, wherein the range of similarity includes having aEuclid distance near zero.
 9. An interface to an automatic tellermachine (ATM) of a bank, the interface having one or more screensconfigured to be displayed on a display of the automatic teller machine,the one or more screens comprising: a tracing mode, wherein use of thetracing mode requires special authorization by the bank; a kind optionof the tracing mode, wherein the kind option is configured to beselected and to initiate instructions to display a request to input asubsequent bank note of a particular kind; a start search option of thetracing mode, wherein the start search option is configured to beselected and to initiate instructions to begin a comparison betweensubsequent images of the subsequent bank note and initial images of aninitial bank note; and a comparison results screen of the tracing mode,wherein the comparison results screen is configured to displaycomparison results upon completion of the comparison.
 10. The interfaceof claim 9, wherein the kind option is further configured to display arequest to input the subsequent bank note in a particular direction aplurality of different times.
 11. The interface of claim 9, wherein thetracing mode option, the kind option, and the start search option areeach electronically connected to at least one of: a touch-sensitiveportion of the one or more screens; and a mechanical button of theautomatic teller machine.
 12. A method of tracing bank notes, the methodcomprising: receiving a deposit of an initial bank note; extracting oneor more initial images from the initial bank note; attaching an initialtransaction log to the one or more initial images; receiving one or moresubsequent images of a subsequent bank note; and comparing the one ormore initial images to the one or more subsequent images in order toobtain a comparison result.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thecomparison result indicates that the one or more initial images arewithin a range of similarity to the one or more subsequent images, themethod further comprising retrieving the initial transaction log basedon the comparison result.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the stepof extracting one or more initial images comprises: extracting a frontside initial image in a first initial position; extracting a front sideinitial image in a second initial position; extracting a back sideinitial image in a first initial position; and extracting a back sideinitial image in a second initial position.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the step of receiving one or more subsequent images comprises:receiving a deposit of a subsequent bank note; and extracting one ormore subsequent images from the subsequent bank note.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the step of extracting one or more subsequent imagescomprises: extracting a front side subsequent image in a firstsubsequent position; extracting a front side subsequent image in asecond subsequent position; extracting a back side subsequent image in afirst subsequent position; and extracting a back side subsequent imagein a second subsequent position.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thestep of comparing comprises comparing each subsequent image in eachsubsequent position a plurality of times to a corresponding initialimage.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more initialimages include a unique characteristic that is specific to only one banknote, wherein the initial bank note is the only one bank note with theunique characteristic, wherein the unique characteristic includes otherinformation besides a serial number of the initial bank note.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the step of comparing comprises: analyzingimage characteristics using a Euclid distance formula; and determiningthat the one or more initial images and the one or more subsequentimages have a Euclid distance near zero, wherein the range of similarityincludes having a Euclid distance near zero.
 20. The method of claim 12,wherein the steps of the method are stored on a computer-readable mediumas one or more instructions for tracing bank notes, wherein the one ormore instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause theone or more processors to perform the steps of the method.